Sunday, April 26, 2009

Bike Race Weekend

The annual NDSU vs UND bike race was this weekend and it tends to engulf our entire weekend. The race pits the Catholic churches on each campus against each other in a fund raising bike race in which the winner is determined by the top race finishers, funds raised, and the number of riders for each team. This will be the shocker for most of you but I ride for team NDSU. We have been members of The NDSU Newman Center for almost 10 years so it has been my team.


Friday night was registration where we drop off our pledge money. New this year was a spaghetti feed in which Janelle worked. The 4 kids and myself went to Jaden's soccer practice in which I coach. I tried my best to keep eleven first graders on "soccer" task while I kept an eye on my other 3 children. After practice we went to see mom and turn in the pledges. By the time we arrived they had run out of spaghetti and were cleaning up. We then headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Wentz' to drop off the two little ones for a sleepover.


Saturday morning Janelle gave me a ride to the Newman center with my bike so we wouldn't have to pick up the van later. We did something new; we left Megan and Jaden home alone for the 30 minutes that Janelle would be gone. We told Megan she was in charge and that we would have our cell phone on in case she needed to reach us. Who would have guessed that the one time our home phone goes out would be the first time we leave the kids alone!!!!! Thank heaven it wasn't an emergency, Megan just wanted to report that Jaden wouldn't listen to her (Image that). I rode in the race and it was a beautiful morning with hardly any wind. NDSU ended up winning the trophy with raising more money and having more riders (apparently they had more top 20 riders). Janelle worked a water stop while Megan went to her soccer game with a teammate. Jaden hung out with Mom.


Saturday night Janelle and I went to the Shanley Auction. This is a fundraiser auction where they raise money for my former high school. It is a fun evening where they keep the "bubbly" filled in your glass while you walk around bidding on the smaller silent auction items. They also serve awesome hors d'oeuvres(sp?). We then sit down to a delicious formal dinner and then proceed with a live auction of the big items(this is where Janelle and I usually just watch). They raised over $345,000 for the school. Grandma and Grandpa Zander came to the house to watch the older two.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Jadenism: New School sport?

Jaden told me he didn't want to play soccer so I asked him what he would like to play and he told me he wants to join the kickball team. Anyone know where I can sign him up for that?

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Daddy's Birthday

The birthday started with the traditional Birthday Pillowcase on my pillow the night before. This is a tradition the kids really look forward to every year on their special day...ok it is kind of fun for dad too.


I was welcomed with a warm caramel roll, with a candle in it, in bed this morning (just a warning to others: a warm caramel roll will melt the candle from the bottom up).

After church, I taught Megan's Sunday school class, both of them, and came home and read the paper. Then Jaden, Megan and I proceeded to the movie theater to take in Monsters vs Aliens. It was a cute film and we all enjoyed it. Then we came home and played outside while mom prepared a delicious supper.
Jordan plays some type of superhero.
Daddy and Austen roller blade and skate(no jokes about the 80's roller blades).Austen was brave enough to try it on his own.
After supper we enjoyed a huge birthday cookie(two huge chocolate chip cookies on top of each other with frosting between and on top. It was left over from our Easter birthday celebration.) Notice the huge bbq sauce jug, does my family know me or what?
It was a wonderful day and feel lucky to have such a wonderful family. I don't mind growing older as long as I have Janelle, Megan, Jaden, Jordan, and Austen with me (someone will have to push the wheelchair eventually).

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Find a penny...turn it in, 30 days it gets returned.

Jaden came home and handed Janelle his book bag after coming off the bus from school. Janelle asked "Do you have any homework in your bag" and Jaden replied "No...but there is a penny in there." So Janelle opened the bag and found a penny taped to a little piece of paper with Jaden's name and a date written on it." Janelle asked what it was and Jaden replied, "Well...about a month ago I found a penny under the drinking fountain so I turned it into the office." He continued " After 30 days if no one claims a missing item then you can keep it. So, the thirty days are up...and...I got to keep it."

Oh, what we can learn from a first grader!!!!!


Saturday, April 11, 2009

Easter Traditions

Uncle Rob stopped by while we where dying Easter Eggs.
Austen grew tired of the whole experience.

Janelle's bread bunny, a true Easter tradition. It tasted as good as it looks.


Friday, April 10, 2009

Jadenism


Jaden asked me today, "Dad, where are we going on our field trip?"

"Field trip? You mean at school?" I replied.

"No, you know this summer...like Medora last year."

"Oh, you mean our summer vacation" I finally realized.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Jadens 7th Birthday

We celebrated Jaden's birthday at his favorite restaurant, Paradiso. The kids love to go to Mexican restaurants so they can order chicken strips and french fries(it might have to do with the chips and salsa). Both sets of Grandparents joined us to make for a special day for Jaden.


Grandam Shirley and birthday boy

Grandpa Jerry and the birthday boy

Grandma Lori and Grandpa Dan(believe it or not they are not in an actual Mexican street like the background makes it appear.
Later we celebrated with Dairy Queen ice cream cake. Our favorite!!!




Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Easter Bunny Swims to Harwood

It appears the Easter Bunny found a way to Harwood. This was spotted at my next door neighbors, Todd and Brigette Cargo. That Brigette is talented! See what you can accomplish when you are stranded on an island.

Things looking up

This morning I ventured out and found a way to get into Fargo. I did drive though some water but it was shallow enough to feel safe. I will probably head back to work tomorrow. River is scheduled to crest tomorrow but we seem to have everything in control. Below are pictures of the recent snow storm:


This is looking across the street at my neighbors flag.


Harwood Flood in the News

The following are stories that were run in the Fargo Forum about Harwood's flood fight:

http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/235744/

http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/235779/

http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/235964/